September 24 – Hamilton – Garfield Shadow – 95
Unusually, the Scottish venue witnessed a couple of above-average two-year-old races in the space of two days, the first instalment coming via a Richard Fahey-trained colt on debut. Slowest to gather stride in a four runner field, the son of James Garfield was still in last place as race entered the final two furlongs, but once meeting the rising ground and pace setters began to falter, he picked up in pretty taking fashion to come swooping through to claim the prize close home. Based on this initial outing and his pedigree, he looks certain to be seen to even better effect over further and although he has no flashy entries for the foreseeable future, it would come as no surprise to see him against sterner opponents before the season ends.
September 25 – Hamilton – Esquire – 95
Although David O’Meara’s debutante posted the same time comparatively as his counterpart the day after, the way he went about his work over the an extra furlong was slightly more impressive and he looks a colt of some distinction even though its still early days. Setting a brisk tempo from the start, he managed not only to maintain the gallop all the way to the line, but pull further clear of several who boasted reasonably decent form and it came as little surprise to see him clock a useful time figure for a race of its kind. A big, strapping son of Harry Angel, he looks to have a very bright future ahead of him.
September 27 – Goodwood – Chic Columbine – 97
Again, another massive speed figure from a juvenile, this time one who was a good deal more established. Having already won three on the spin, George Boughey’s filly was entitled to be a warm order to go in again, but even so, her performance at the Sussex venue was still better than anticipated. The way she travelled through the race before showing plenty of tenacity to seal the prize late on highlights her range of qualities and this was another big feather in her cap. Looking forward, she shapes like she will get further and although she has now scored twice on a soft surface, she leaves the impression she will even better back on better ground.
September 27 – Kempton – Humanity – 99
A very strongly run middle-distance affair and it went the way of a three-year-old making a mockery of his opening handicap mark. Always handy, John & Thady Gosden’s colt raced on the shoulders of the leader turning for home and despite being on the sharp end throughout, he still managed to find the necessary requirements to boot well clear late on. Clearly a stayer with a big engine, he is going to be very dangerous in the Rowley Cup at Newmarket in a week’s time as his style of racing is going to be well suited by the track. Interestingly, he is also in the HIT sale at tattersalls later in the month, so no doubt one or two of the big jumping boys will already be eying him up.
September 29 – Dundalk – Piz Badile – 99
A well contested listed affair which saw plenty of cash in the direction of UK raider Sea The Casper, but it eventually went the way of home-based performer bidding to get his career back on track. Having been slightly disappointing in the early part of the campaign, Donnacha O’Brien’s colt was given a break with a view to coming back in the autumn and on the evidence of this display, he looks primed to end his season on a high. Showing good determination once joined by his main market rival, he ended up seeing out the trip better close home and with the pair well clear in a fast time, this effort clearly indicates he is back to something like his best.
September 29 – Newmarket – Time Lock – 102
A good field of fillies’ were assembled for this Group 3 and following a strong gallop set by Peripatetic, Harry & Roger Charlton’s filly came through powerfully late on to score in the style of a high class performer. Clearly thriving since encountering soft ground in the autumn, she looks one to keep on side if running in the Group 1 fillies and mares contest of Qipco Champions Day at Ascot in two weeks time.